Leeds United Cuts Chelsea Ticket Allocation Over Fears Of Violence By Fans

Chelsea’s ticket allocation for next Wednesday’s Capital One Cup quarterfinal against Leeds United at Elland Road has been cut by 2,000 "amid fears of potential fan disorder," according to Jeremy Wilson of the London TELEGRAPH. The London team had been entitled to bring 5,000 supporters, according to Football League rules that allow a 15% allocation for away fans, but, after consultation with the West Yorkshire Police, Leeds was "only able to make 3,000 available." It follows a High Court ruling earlier this year when Leeds "successfully argued that West Yorkshire Police could not charge them for the match day cost of policing areas around Elland Road that were now owned by the club." A Leeds spokesperson said, "After discussions with the police, in light of the recent High Court judgment, it was determined that the unrecoverable costs [from Leeds United] of preventing the potential for disorder, if 5,000 fans from Chelsea were present, was not an acceptable sum to be borne by the police." The rivalry between Leeds and Chelsea fans dates back to the '60s. Next week’s game will be the "first fixture between the two clubs for almost nine years" (TELEGRAPH, 12/11).